Feeding Fathers

Healing Family Trauma, Parenting Advice, & AI Therapy [Ep. 75]

Family is where we learn to love, but it’s often where we experience our deepest wounds. Whether it's navigating conflicts with siblings, figuring out how to raise kids with faith in a secular world, or the difficult journey of healing family trauma, home life is rarely simple.
We aren't just giving generic advice, we look at family dynamics through the lens of those who live in intense community life, like monks and nuns, to see what they can teach us about resolving conflict. We also have an honest conversation about when family situations turn abusive, and how therapy, community, and our Catholic Faith play a role in true healing. Plus, is AI replacing human connection? We react to what Pope Leo recently said about AI being "too affectionate" and discuss why an algorithm can never replace the empathy of a real person.
Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Abbot Ankido Sipo, Fr. Tristan Farida, Fr. Fadi Auro
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00:00 Why Family Relationships Are So Hard 01:48 Religious Life Teaching Us to Resolve Conflict 07:08 Catholic Parenting: How Methods Have Shifted Over Time 12:13 Raising Children with both Faith and Reason 27:59 Healing Family Trauma 32:58 Finding Emotional Support in a Digital Age 35:41 Why AI Can't Provide True Empathy 38:39 Vital Importance of Real Human Connection 44:21 'Bless or Pass?' Chaldean Food Edition 50:35 Comment of the Week!
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▶️ Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/v2h987Fiims
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Ba'utha and Jonah: What Fasting Can Reveal About Ourselves [Ep. 74]

Fr. Andy's Narsai Book: https://a.co/d/9lCSfFa
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We talk about the upcoming Chaldean mini-season of Ba'utha, the Supplication of the Ninevites, and the story of Jonah — and why all of it still hits close to home today. We get honest about what it means to face ourselves, why we often run from the things we know we should deal with, and how discomfort can actually be part of healing and growth. We connect Jonah’s journey to everyday life, talk about fasting, and even throw in some surprisingly good fasting-friendly food ideas – falafel anyone? While we eat we play an entertaining round of "Would You Rather" that goes off the rails pretty quick...
Featuring: Fr. Christopher Somo, Fr. Andy Younan, Fr. Daniel Shaba, Fr. Tristan Farida
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00:00 Significance of Ba'utha in the Church of the East
05:07 The Role of Discomfort and Fasting
14:55 Jonah's Reluctance and Racism
20:25 Cultural and Religious Identity in Marriage
24:50 Embracing Pain During Fasting
27:56 Misconceptions About Fasting
29:49 Uniting Suffering with Christ
33:27 BOMB BUNS
34:47 "Would You Rather"
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Are My Desires Good or Bad? Overcoming Habitual Sin and Self-Doubt [Ep. 73]

We get real about sin, temptation, and the stuff we all wrestle with but don’t always talk about. We share personal stories, practical ways to actually deal with your desires, and why God’s love isn’t just a nice idea—it’s the key to real change. We talk about where sin really starts, why love has to be at the center of your life, and how something as simple as going to Mass more intentionally can honestly change everything. We also have some fun and play a round of “Pope or President?” and talk about the legacy of Fulton Sheen we await the official announcement of his beatification. It’s an honest, encouraging conversation for anyone who wants to break free from habitual sin and grow without pretending they have it all together.
Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Abbot Ankido Sipo, Fr. Augustine Joseph, Fr. Christopher Somo
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00:00 Reflecting on #SEEK26
02:37 Confession and Overcoming Sin
05:09 Roots of Sin
11:01 The Importance of Relationship in Healing
19:50 Jesus' Approach to Sin and Repentance
24:58 Loving Ourselves and Others Through God's Love
29:35 Understanding Boundaries and Trust in God
31:13 Embracing and Ordering Our Desires
33:31 Going to Mass
36:30 Pope or President?
41:03 Fulton Sheen & Chick-fil-A
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Why Don't You Feel God?: Spiritual Dryness & Desolation | Live from SEEK26 [Ep. 72]

This is a special episode of 'Feeding Fathers' recorded at the SEEK26 Catholic conference in Columbus, Ohio in front of a live audience, and it’s a really honest one.
We got to talk about something a lot of people experience but don’t always know how to put into words: spiritual dryness and feeling far from God. We share real stories about doubt, discouragement, and what it actually looks like to keep showing up when your faith feels hard or empty. We talk about the role of community, why daily prayer still matters even when it feels pointless, and how to keep going through seasons of desolation. If you’ve ever felt stuck, tired, or disconnected in your spiritual life, this conversation will feel like a breath of fresh air.
Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Fr. Christopher Somo, Fr. John Jaddou, Dn. Brandon Elias
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00:00 Experiences at the Seek Conference
03:18 Spiritual Desolation
05:21 The Role of Feelings in Faith
06:24 Scripture and Continuous Relationship with God
17:37 Importance of Community and Prayer
23:54 Daily Acts of Love and Commitment
28:24 Importance of Sacrifice
30:11 Marriage and Sacrifice
34:38 The Power of Prayer
36:33 Trying Ohio Snacks
39:58 Bible Trivia and Giveaways
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God Became Man: A Controversial Christmas Story? [Ep. 71]

It's the last episode of the year as Christmas and the new year is approaching! On this very special episode, we get into the essence of Christmas and why what Catholics believe about God can be seen as scandalous. We look at the symbolism behind the nativity scene and the profound theology of God becoming man. This episode is packed with reflections on vulnerability, spiritual friendships, and the transformative power of Christ’s love. So sit back, pour some chai, bring out the kuleche (Christmas cookies) and baklava, and enjoy the conversation!
Featuring: Fr. Augustine Joseph, Abbot Ankido Sipo, Fr. Fadi Auro, Br. Sinan Salim

Scandal and Corruption in the Church: Where We Go From Here [Ep. 70]

Our discussion centers on addressing scandals within the Church and how to deal with them. We begin with a detailed look at the HBO documentary "Marcial Maciel: The Wolf of God" – a series chronicling the decades of abuse, deception, and downfall of the founder of the Legionaries of Christ, who was involved in severe scandals including sexual abuse and misuse of power.
We explore the implications of such scandals on faith, trust in priests and religious authorities, and the importance of accountability and transparency. Examining the responsibilities of spiritual leaders and the impact of personal failings on their communities is an important part of the discussion.
We reflect on repentance, mercy, and the critical role of human formation in preventing future abuses.
Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Fr. Andy Younan, Fr. Daniel Shaba, Fr. Christopher Somo

What True Unity with the Orthodox Church Has to Look Like [Ep. 69]

This week we’re talking Christian unity, sparked by the Pope’s recent trip to Turkey and Lebanon. We get into the real stuff: why Catholics and Orthodox Christians still aren’t on the same page, what keeps them apart, and why Fr. Simon politely said “nope” to an interview with an Orthodox priest.
We also get honest about the big roadblocks—history, theology, culture—and why love and truth actually matter if unity is ever going to be a thing. Plus, we chat about Catholic–Orthodox marriages, the traditions that shape both communities, and, of course, the absolute blessing that is "Sacos Tacos."
Featuring: Abbot Ankido Sipo, Fr. Simon Esshaki, Fr. Augustine Joseph, Fr. Tristan Farida

Cinema & Synods: Pope Leo Says "Go to the Movies" [Ep. 68]

We look at why the last episode of the liturgical year is kind of a big deal — especially in the Chaldean Church, where the “Crowning of the Church” isn’t just a title, it’s a whole vibe. We unpack what goes on during a Chaldean synod, highlighting the Church’s early (and surprisingly organized) self-awareness.
Then we talk movies — our favorite movies — thanks to Pope Leo’s meeting of the "World of Cinema." We also reveal the Holy Father's favorite films and how good storytelling can sneak in spiritual wisdom when you least expect it. So grab a slice of pizza and hang out with us as we explore how liturgy, theology, and the power of cinema make faith feel a lot more alive.
Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Fr. Daniel Shaba, Fr. Christopher Somo, Fr. Fadi Auro

Are We Losing Our Minds to AI? | Feeding Fathers [Ep. 67]

New Studio, Same Shenanigans: AI, Human Connection, and Flip Phones.
Welcome to our new studio! Join us as we kick things off on our new set discussing the impact of AI and digital technology on society, the essence of human connection, and some nostalgic memories. We touch on Pope Leo’s perspectives, the dangers and benefits of AI, and the evolving nature of human interactions. From AI girlfriends to generational differences in social media use, we try to get to the core of what seems like a global crisis. And of course, we've got some delicious food to try and get in a yet another heated debate about Mexican food!
Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Fr. Andy Younan, Fr. Daniel Shaba, Fr. Tristan Farida

Chaldean Catholic Identity Crisis: Youth Embracing Tradition [Ep. 66]

We explore what it truly means to be a Chaldean Catholic by giving historical context, explaining the importance of tradition, and listing the challenges faced by modern youth. We discuss the balance between maintaining our rich heritage and adapting to contemporary times. Also, we examine the 2025 National Study of Catholic Priests and react to the findings, mainly the statistics that point to younger priests preferring tradition over conformity. This is the last episode on this set, so look out for our revamped look on the next one!
Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Fr. Augustine, Fr. Christopher Somo, Abbot Ankido Sipo